Vaccinating your dog is one of the most responsible pet care decisions you can make. Vaccines are integral for safeguarding your dog from significant and deadly diseases. These are also crucial for protecting the larger animal community. Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, offers core and non-core vaccines to keep your pet healthy and protected. Learn more about these vaccinations and when to schedule them below.
The Importance of Vaccines
Vaccinations stimulate your dog’s immune system to fight against infectious diseases. Pets who spend plenty of time outdoors are at a greater risk of exposure to diseases from other animals and parasites. With vaccines, your pet can fight off these viruses and pathogens should it encounter them. Some diseases, such as rabies and distemper, can even be fatal in dogs. Rabies is also deadly in humans, making vaccines integral to protecting the larger animal and human community.
Core and Non-Core Dog Vaccinations
Dog vaccinations can be divided into core and non-core categories. Core vaccines are necessary for all dogs, regardless of their environment and lifestyle. These vaccinations protect against the most contagious and deadly diseases. Our veterinarian recommends the following core vaccines for dogs:
• Rabies
• Distemper
• Canine parvovirus
• Canine adenovirus
In addition to core vaccines, our veterinarian may recommend non-core vaccines based on your dog’s age, environment, and lifestyle. For example, many daycare and boarding facilities require the Bordetella vaccine to protect other pets. We might also recommend the vaccine against Lyme disease if your dog spends extensive time in wooded areas where ticks are common.
When to Schedule Your Dog’s Vaccines
Puppies need a series of vaccines to bolster their immune systems after being weaned. This series can start when your puppy is between six and eight weeks of age. Our veterinarian will administer booster shots every three or four weeks until your puppy reaches four to six months old. Vaccines will require boosters every year or a few years afterward. Our veterinarian will outline your dog’s vaccination schedule during its regular wellness exam.
Schedule Your Dog’s Vaccines Today at Desert Forest Animal Hospital
Vaccines are vital for your pet’s long-term health and well-being, so contact your “veterinarian near you” at Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, to schedule your dog’s vaccinations today. Call us at (480) 488-2010 to schedule this crucial preventative pet care and ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life.
